Device manufacturers seeking market access in Costa Rica must now comply with updated type approval (homologation) procedures established by the Superintendence of Telecommunications (SUTEL) in Resolution RCS-216-2024. Published on November 22, 2024, this regulation introduces mandatory testing for 5G Standalone (SA) and Voice over LTE (VoLTE) technologies, while leaving the requirements for 2G, 3G, and 4G devices unchanged. The new rules are a direct response to the country's recent 5G spectrum auction and the launch of commercial 5G SA networks by local operators.
The most critical change for manufacturers is the requirement for 5G SA testing in the 3500 MHz band (3GPP Band n78). This aligns with the spectrum acquired by Costa Rica's primary mobile operators, Claro and Liberty, ensuring device compatibility with their new networks. All new homologation applications for devices supporting this band, submitted on or after the first of September 2025 effective date, must provide test reports demonstrating compliance with these new protocols.
To secure homologation, devices must be tested by a SUTEL-accredited laboratory using operator-specific SIM or eSIM profiles, a key procedural step to ensure real-world interoperability. In addition to the new 5G SA n78 band requirement, manufacturers must continue to demonstrate compliance across all previously mandated frequency bands for the Costa Rican market. This includes 2G (1800 MHz), 3G (850/2100 MHz), 4G/LTE (850/1800/2100/2600 MHz), and 5G NSA (1800 MHz with DSS).
The most critical change for manufacturers is the requirement for 5G SA testing in the 3500 MHz band (3GPP Band n78). This aligns with the spectrum acquired by Costa Rica's primary mobile operators, Claro and Liberty, ensuring device compatibility with their new networks. All new homologation applications for devices supporting this band, submitted on or after the first of September 2025 effective date, must provide test reports demonstrating compliance with these new protocols.
To secure homologation, devices must be tested by a SUTEL-accredited laboratory using operator-specific SIM or eSIM profiles, a key procedural step to ensure real-world interoperability. In addition to the new 5G SA n78 band requirement, manufacturers must continue to demonstrate compliance across all previously mandated frequency bands for the Costa Rican market. This includes 2G (1800 MHz), 3G (850/2100 MHz), 4G/LTE (850/1800/2100/2600 MHz), and 5G NSA (1800 MHz with DSS).
Eleos Compliance offer international RF, EMC, Safety and Green type approval services for radiocommunications products. Eleos Compliance are a sustainable, values-based business combining extensive experience in the wireless homologation sector with outstanding project management. For full support with your global market access requirements or regulatory intelligence needs please contact us at enquiries@eleoscompliance.com
